Uses for cellulose-containing aggregates

ABSTRACT

Aggregates of cellulose-containing particles, such as particles of waste paper and optional other vegetation or waste particles are used as a carrier for additives such as insecticides, herbicides, fertilizers and nutrients. The particles permits a “timed release” of the additives. The particles can be employed as a building insulation to prevent infestations of roaches, ternites, ant, or other insects in the building when they contain insecticides. The particles can also be employed to promote revegetation of denuded areas, such as highway right of ways when they contain fertilizers and nutrients.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] This application is a division of copending application Ser. No. 09/395,470, filed Sep. 14, 1999, now ______, which was a continuation-in-part of application Ser. No. 08/880,901, filed Jun. 23, 1997, now U.S. Pat. No. 5,951,995 issued Sep. 14, 1999, which was a continuation-in-part of then application Ser. No. 08/479,171, filed Jun. 7, 1995, now abandoned, which was a continuation-in-part of then application Ser. No. 08/228,443, filed April 15, 1994, now abandoned.

[0002] This invention relates to the use of cellulose products such as recycled paper.

[0003] Waste products such as waste paper, lawn clippings, wood chips, gin trash, banana peels, shrubbery, sugar cane, sorghum, other vegetation and plastics are filling landfills. Alternatives to current disposal of these products would be very desirable.

[0004] Certain insects, such as termites and fire ants, are difficult to control and cause much damage. Improved techniques for controlling these insects would be very desirable. A technique for better controlling these insects which makes use of the above described waste products would be especially desirable.

[0005] Herbicides are used throughout the country to control the growth of unwanted plants. More effective techniques for applying herbicides would reduce the amount of herbicide being released into the environment and would be very desirable. A more effective technique which makes use of the above waste materials would be even more desirable.

[0006] Denuded landscape is a common byproduct of agricultural and construction activities. For steeply pitched land, especially, the lack of ground cover can lead to loss of surface and topsoil due to water erosion. A technique to promote revegetation would be very desirable. A revegetation technique which makes use of the above waste materials would be even more desirable.

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION

[0007] It is an object of this invention to provide cellulose-containing products, especially products formed from waste paper such as newsprint, in a form so that it is highly suitable for horticultural and agricultural uses, and for insect control.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0008] In accordance with one embodiment of the invention, aggregates of cellulose-containing particles, such as particles of waste paper and optional other vegetation or waste particles are used as a carrier for additives such as insecticides, herbicides, fertilizers and nutrients. The particles permits a “timed release” of the additives. On an annual basis, the invention permits the use of lower amounts of the additives, and lower losses of the additives to the environment.

[0009] In one aspect of this embodiment of the invention, there is provided a method for controlling termite infestation employing the aggregates as described above. In accordance with the method, an area to be protected from the termite infestation is selected and aggregates of cellulose-containing particles containing at least one anti-termite agent are applied around the area to be protected.

[0010] In one aspect of this embodiment of the invention, the aggregates of cellulose particles as described above can be employed in a method for controlling fire ants. The method is carried out by selecting an area in which fire ant control is desired and applying aggregates of cellulose-containing particles containing a fire ant toxin to the area.

[0011] In another aspect of this embodiment of the invention, the aggregates of cellulose particles as described above can be employed in a method for controlling plant growth. The method is carried out by selecting an area in which plant growth control is desired and applying aggregates of cellulose-containing particles containing a plant growth inhibitor to the area. Generally, the type of plant growth desired to be inhibited will be weed growth or grass growth The area to be treated will generally comprise a horticultural area. In such case, the plant growth inhibitor will generally comprise a herbicide.

[0012] In another embodiment of the invention, aggregates of cellulose-containing particles which are employed as building insulation can incorporate insecticides to prevent infestations of roaches, termites, ant, or other insects in the building. The aggregates can be in the form of a pourable crumb as is known in the art to be well suited for providing insulation above ceiling and in walls or in the form of a sprayed on insulation as is known in the art to be well suited for insulating under roofs, ceilings and floorings.

[0013] In another embodiment of the invention, aggregates of cellulose-containing particles are used to promote revegetation of denuded areas, such as highway right of ways. The aggregates can be generally in the form of a pourable crumb or in the form of a sprayed on covering similar to that is known in the art to be well suited for insulating under roofs, ceilings and floorings. The aggregates are employed in conjunction with a nutrient solution and vegetation seeds, such as grass seed, and preferably further contain assimilable nitrogen and other plant nutrients. This aspect of the invention is especially beneficial when applied to steeply sloped ground surfaces.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0014] The cellulose containing particles are generally of paper and/or vegetable matter origin. When paper is present in the aggregates, it can be present over a wide range. For example, the paper can be present in an amount to provide the aggregate with a paper content in the range of from about 1% to about 99% by weight. Any paper can be used, but the invention will probably have its greatest benefit when applied to recycled paper, including newspapers, telephone books, magazines, computer paper, corrugated paper, etc. Waste or excess paper or pulp recovered from manufacturing processes can also be used. The selection of the desired paper is an economic one, rather than a technical one. Vegetable matter which can be employed as cellulose-containing particles includes wastes from the timber and wood products industry, such as wood, wood chips, lumber and sawdust, wastes from landscaping work such as brush, branches, grass clippings, leaves, and other yard wastes, wastes from agricultural operations such as straw, stalks and leaves; wastes from the processing of agricultural products, such as gin trash, bagasse, grain hulls, peels, sorghum, sugar cane, animal byproducts, food industry sludge, paper industry sludge, clothing industry wastes, or consumer wastes such as discarded clothing and furniture.

[0015] Generally speaking, the particles will be of relatively small size. For example, it is expected that utilizing particles which have a maximum size in the range of 1 mm to about 20 mm for a major portion, on a weight basis, of the particles in the aggregates will provide a good result. To provide the particles with this size, it is generally necessary to grind up the starting material. Generally, the paper or other material to be utilized is ground to a screen size of 10 cm or less, usually, to screen size of 3 cm or less, and preferably to a screen size of between about 0.2 and about 2 cm. Hammer mills can be used.

[0016] By aggregate is meant a cluster of cellulose-containing particles. Generally speaking, the aggregates are formed from consolidated particles. Preferably, the aggregate is consolidated by compacting ground paper and/or vegetable matter particles under conditions of added moisture, for example by pelletizing or briquetting, to form pellets or briquettes of cellulose-containing particles. For certain applications, however, the aggregate may be in the form of crumb or broken cake. For these applications, broken up pellets or briquette form a highly suitable material. In a case of sprayable insulation or ground cover, the particles are aggregated or consolidated into a mass by spraying them onto the desired surface along with an optional binder and permitting them to dry.

[0017] The particle size and shape of the individual aggregates depends on the desired application. Generally speaking, larger aggregate sizes and highly consolidated aggregates will release their added ingredients over a longer period of time than smaller sized or loosely consolidated aggregates. Aggregates which are exposed to the weather, such as on a highway right of way, will lose their added ingredients more quickly than aggregates which are sheltered, such as in an attic or under a foundation.

[0018] Generally speaking, the particle size, as expressed in terms of average volume of a major portion of the aggregates, can range from about 0.01 cc to about 1200 cc. Usually, the aggregates will have a volume in the range of from about 0.1 cc to about 800 cc. Preferably, the aggregates will have a volume in the range of from about 0.5 cc to about 150 cc, because it is believed that aggregates having a volume in this range will be useful for most applications. However, for some applications, such as for a mulch or ground cover,, it may be desirable to form mixtures of aggregates with a volume in the range of 0.5 cc to 150 cc with smaller aggregates which may be in crushed or crumbled form such as those having a size in the range of from about 0.02 cc to about 0.5 cc., although even smaller aggregates such as those having a volume as small as 0.005 cc may also be used.

[0019] The aggregates can also be described as having a major dimension and a minor dimension. The minor dimension is preferably less than 5 cm to aid in breakdown and release of the additives. The major dimension is preferably less than about 30 cm to aid in mixing in the soil with standard agricultural implements. The minor dimension is preferably greater than about 0.15 cm and the major dimension is preferably greater than about 0.3 cm for reasons of economy in production and handling. Generally speaking, the aggregates are produced in pellet or briquette form, and can have any desired configuration, such as circular, square, or flattened cross section. The currently preferred aggregate is presently an elongated extrudate with a circular cross-section, because it has been tested with good results. The presently preferred aggregate is generally arcuately shaped and has a length in the range of about 0.1 to about 30 cm and a diameter in the range of from about 0.1 to about 5 cm. Even more preferably, the extrudate has a length in the range of from about 1 to about 15 cm and a diameter in the range of from about 0.2 to about 1.0 cm An extrudate having a length closely encompassed by the range of from about 2 to about 5 cm and a diameter in the range of from about 0.3 to about 0.8 cm and crumb formed from such an extrudate has been tested in several applications with good results.

[0020] The aggregates will generally have an apparent bulk density in the range of from about 110 kg/m³ to about 550 kg/m³ at a moisture level in the range of from about 4-20% by weight.

[0021] The formation of pellets of ground paper is known, but not commonly used in the paper recycling industry. A pelletizing machine which extrudes pellets in the form of an extrudate has been used with good results. It is also believed that a briquetting machine, such as is used for the manufacture of charcoal briquettes, would also be useful, as well as equipment for pelletizing animal feeds.

[0022] To form the aggregates, the selected cellulose-containing material or mixture thereof is first ground to a particle size suitable for pellet or briquette formation. Generally, the material is ground to a screen size of 10 cm or less, usually, to a screen size of 3 cm or less, and preferably to a screen size of between about 0.2 and about 2 cm. Hammer mills can be used. The aggregates thus contains discrete particles of cellulose waste material in comminuted form. The material is then pelletized or briquetted, or in the case of sprayable materials, generally further ground to a screen size of less than about 2 mm. If necessary, moisture is added in an amount sufficient to facilitate the completion of pellet or briquette formation. Small sized aggregates can be formed, if desired, by crumbling the pellets or briquettes. The aqueous medium may contain a binding agent to facilitate pelletizing. Binding agents include paper products, clay, ash, polymer, or starch-based adhesives, for example. For non-paper cellulose products, the binding agent can comprise paper prepared as hereinabove described.

[0023] The aqueous medium can be selected from a wide range of sources. Water is generally suitable. For agricultural and horticultural uses, where the objective is not weed suppression, other aqueous mediums containing organic matter are also suitable. Sewer sludges, paper pulp sludges, sludges containing animal wastes such as chicken litter and/or cattle manure, and slaughterhouse wastes are all suitable. If desired, a growth promoter such as a source of assimilable nitrogen, for example, which is sufficient to provide the pellet product with a ratio of nitrogen to biodegradable carbon in the range of from about 1:10 to about 1:60, on an atomic basis (elemental weight) basis can be incorporated into the product during the pelletizing process. Ammonium nitrate or other commercial fertilizer or chicken litter are suitable.

[0024] In another embodiment of the invention, there is provided a method for controlling termite infestation employing the aggregates as described above. In accordance with the method, an area to be protected from the termite infestation is selected and aggregates of cellulose-containing particles containing at least one anti-termite agent are applied around the area to be protected.

[0025] The duration of anti-termite agent effectiveness is greatly increased over current methods due to its being incorporated into the aggregates and being released over the decomposition period of the product. In essence, this method of applying a termiticide permits it to become a slow release, long acting product. The method is also safer for workers since it eliminates the handling and potential breathing of liquids and sprays of concentrated dangerous chemicals during application.

[0026] Normally, the area to be protected will contain a building. However, in certain parts of the country, such as New Orleans, termite damage to trees is a major problem, and it is within the scope of the invention to protect trees. Preferably, the area to be protected is surrounded with the aggregates. In the case of building, it is contemplated that the aggregates will be placed near the foundation In the case of trees, it is contemplated that the aggregates will be positioned near the base of the tree. Generally speaking, the ground around the area to be protected will be covered with the aggregates. If desired, the aggregates can be buried in the ground around the area to be protected, such as by trenching or tilling techniques. For new consuction, the aggregates can be placed under the area to be occupied by the slab or foundation.

[0027] The aggregates containing the anti-termite agent are expected to function as a termite “bait”—where the termites are attracted to the product as a feed where they pick up the toxin and return to the colony to wipe it out, or as a “repellent”—where the termites either are repelled by a barrier of product or pick up toxins by contacting the product and are killed. The product is expected to be highly effective when applied as a landscape mulch in flower beds surrounding residences and other structure to be protected, such as on an annual basis. The product is expected to be highly protective when buried in the soil, forming a barrier or bait to eradicate and/or repel subterranean termites. For use as a bait, it is preferred that the aggregates contain wood products.

[0028] The anti-termite agent is incorporated into the products by spraying liquid types onto the aggregates and mixing granular types with the aggregates. Generally speaking, the aggregates will contain less than 10% by weight of the anti-termite agent, usually less than 1% but greater than 0.01%. Anti-termite agents generally include toxins and repellents. The toxin can be of the bait type. Anti-termite agents (primarily repellents) which can be incorporated into the product an exemplary wt % amount to incorporate into the aggregates include FMC Biflex TC (Bifenthrin-0.06%), FMC Talstar F (Bifentbrin-0.06%), DowElanco Dursban TC (Chlorpyrifos—0.5 to 2.0%), Whitmire Duraguard (Chlorpyrifos 1-2%), Whitmire Optem TC (Cyfluthrin 0.05-0.25%), Zeneca Demon TC (Cypermethrin 0.25%), FMC Prevail FT (Cypermethrin 0.25-1.0%), Agrevo 25 SC (Deltamethrin 0.075-0.125%), Agrevo Tribute II (Fenvalerate 0.5-1.0%), Bayer Premise 2 (Imidacloprid 0.1%), FMC F3697 (Imidacloprid 0.01-0.1%), Zeneca Karate (Lambda-cyhalothrin 0.25%), Zeneca Commodore (Lambdacyhalothrin 0.25%), Zeneca Prelude (Torpedo) (Perethrin 0.05-1.0%), and FMC Dragnet FT (Perethrin 0.3%). Boric acid can also be used if desired. Anti termite agents (primarily “baits”) which can be incorporated into the product and an exemplary wt % amount to incorporate into the aggregates include DowElanco Sentricon (Hexaflumuron 0.5%), Am Cyanamid Co. Subterfuge (Hydramethylnon 0.3%) and FMC FirstLine GT (Sulfuramid 0.01%).

[0029] In a field test, a one inch thick bed of aggregates containing either 0.1% Deltamethrin, 0.001% Deltamethrin, or no Deltamethrin were positioned on ground surface in an area known to be infested with termites and a weighted board was positioned on the top of the bed. After one year, the boards on the treated beds had been totally protected from termite attack, while the board on the untreated bed had suffered a 50% termite attack. Thus, at least for Deltarnethrin, a toxin level of 0.001 wt % appears both effective and long lived. In another aspect of this embodiment of the invention, aggregates of cellulose-containing particles which are employed as building insulation can incorporate insecticides such as those described above to prevent infestations of roaches, termites, ant, or other insects in the building. The aggregates can be in the form of a pourable crumb as is known in the art to be well suited for providing insulation above ceiling and in walls or in the form of a sprayed on insulation as is known in the art to be well suited for insulating under roofs, ceilings and floorings. The aggregates could also be blown onto the surface via an air or other gas stream or carried onto the surface via water or other liquid slurry. Because the insecticide applied in this manner will be somewhat protected from the environment, it should remain active for long periods of time, and additionally be safer for applicators than current techniques which use liquid sprays or gasses.

[0030] In another embodiment of the invention, the aggregates of cellulose particles as described above can be employed in a method for controlling fire ants. The method is carried out by selecting an area in which fire ant control is desired and applying aggregates of cellulose-containing particles containing a fire ant toxin to the area. Generally speaking, the area to be treated will be either a fire ant mound or a horticultural area. For fire ant mounds, generally from about 1 cc to about 500 cc of the aggregates will be applied, depending on the effectiveness of the toxin carried by the aggregates. For horticultural area, the aggregates will either be dispersed around the area to be protected, similar to that described above for termite control, or, more preferably, mixed with the soil. For example, fire ants can be prevented from nesting in potted plants or planters by mixing an effective amount of the aggregates containing the toxin with the soil contained in the pot or planter, or by utilizing the aggregates containing the toxin as a cover mulch for the pot or planter. The same techniques can be applied to gardens or larger agricultural areas. For lawns, the aggregates can simply be broadcast on the surface.

[0031] The toxin can be added to the aggregates in the same manner as the anti-termite agents as described above. Suitable toxins are well known in the art. Examples include Ciba Logic (Fenoxycarb), Ciba Award (Fenoxycarb), Am. Cyanamid Co. Amdro (Hydramethylnon), Ciba Diazinon granules (Diazinon), Whitmire Ascend (Abermectin), US Borax (Boric Acid), Zeneca Fireban (Tefluthrin), and FMC Talstar (Bifenthrin). The amounts of toxin are similar to that described above for the termite application.

[0032] In another embodiment of the invention, the aggregates of cellulose particles as described above can be employed in a method for controlling plant growth. The method is carried out by selecting an area in which plant growth control is desired and applying aggregates of cellulose-containing particles containing a plant growth inhibitor to the area. Generally, the type of plant growth desired to be inhibited will be weed growth or grass growth. The area to be treated will generally comprise a horticultural area. In such case, the plant growth inhibitor will generally comprise a herbicide.

[0033] It is believed that best results will be achieved in this embodiment of the invention where the horticultural area contains growing plants of the desired variety. The aggregates are applied around the growing plants so as to achieve coverage of the ground. Generally speaking, the area around the growing plants where plant growth inhibition is desired will be covered to a depth of at least 0.05 inches, generally from about 0.1 inches to about 5 inches, usually from about 0.25 to about 1 inches. The method is believed particularly well suited for application to potted plants, planters, beds and garden areas. The plant growth toxin can be added to the aggregates during the manufacturing process as hereinabove described. For such uses, it is preferred that the aggregates contain plant nutrients, and, for paper-based products, a complexing agent to slow the release of aluminum.

[0034] In this embodiment of the invention, the duration of the herbicide's effectiveness is greatly increased over current method due to its being incorporated into the aggregate and being released over the decomposition period of the aggregate. In essence, this method of applying the herbicide allows it to become a slow release herbicide. The method of incorporation and application uses less herbicides than the standard methods because none, or very little, is lost during the application to the target area. Currently 40% or more of the herbicides never effectively reach their target area due to wind, rain and water runoff. The ability of a given amount of herbicide to prevent and/or eradicate weeds is therefore increased. The method for application is also safer for workers since it elimnates the handling and potential breathing of liquids and sprays of concentrated dangerous chemicals during application The method also eliminates the necessity of prolonged waiting periods (8 or more hours) before safe entry into an enclosed building which has recently been treated with herbicide. The training required for safe herbicide use in accordance with the invention is also lower than that currently required.

[0035] Suitable plant toxins are well known and are generally termed herbicides. They are usually incorporated into the aggregates in an amount which constitutes less than about 10 wt % of the applied material. Examples include Surflan AS (Oryzalin), Gallery 75DF (Isoxaben), Snapshot 2G (Trilluralin), Factor (Prodamine), OH-2 (Oxyflurofen+Pendimethalin), Ronstar 50 WP (Oxadiazon), Ronstar G (Oxadiazon), Ornamental weed Grass (Pendimethalin), XL 2G (Benefrin+Oryzalin), 0-0 (Oxyfurofen+Oxidiazon), Rout (Oxyfurofen+Oxidiazon), Pennant 85.1 (Metolachlor).

[0036] In another embodiment of the invention, aggregates of cellulose-containing particles are used to promote revegetation of denuded areas, such as highway right of ways. The aggregates can be generally in the form of a pourable crumb or in the form of a sprayed on covering similar to that is known in the art to be well suited for insulating under roofs, ceilings and floorings. The aggregates are employed in conjunction with a nutrient solution and vegetation seeds, such as grass seed, and preferably further contain assimilable nitrogen and other plant nutrients. This aspect of the invention is especially beneficial when applied to steeply sloped ground surfaces, such a ground surface having a slope (run:rise) of at least 10:1, such as a slope of 4:1 or greater. The aggregates can be carried on to the surface in a stream of water or air, or mechanically applied if desired.

[0037] This aspect of the invention has been tested with good results on simulated highway right of way plots having grades of 3:1 and 2:1. A layer of cellulose containing aggregates in the form of crumbled ground paper pellets containing assimilable nitrogen and other plant nutrients was applied to the denuded ground surface of the test plots to form a bed of particles about ½ inch thick. This corresponds to an application rate of about ½ pound per square foot. The bed was then wetted with a seed/nutrient solution. The aggregates swelled and formed a mat over the test plot surface, enhancing seed germination and reducing water erosion over untreated plots and plots treated by different techniques. It is believed that the application to the ground surface of a thick slurry of seed and cellulose particles in nutrient solution would provide similar results in a more cost effective manner.

[0038] While certain preferred embodiments of the invention have been described herein, the invention is not to be construed as so limited, except to the extent that such limitations are found in the claims. 

We claim:
 1. A method for controlling plant growth, said method comprising selecting an area in which weed growth control is desired; and applying aggregates of cellulose-containing particles containing a plant growth toxin to the area.
 2. A method as in claim 1 wherein the area is a horticultural area.
 3. A method as in claim 2 wherein the horticultural contains growing plants.
 4. A method as in claim 3 further comprising covering the earth around the growing plants with the aggregates.
 5. A method as in claim 1 wherein the aggregates contain paper particles.
 6. A method as in claim 1 wherein the aggregates contain vegetation particles.
 7. A method as in claim 1 wherein the aggregates contain both paper particles and vegetation particles.
 8. A method as in claim 1 wherein a major portion, on a weight basis, of the particles in the aggregates have a maximum size in the range of 1 cm to about 15 cm.
 9. A method as in claim 1 wherein a major portion, on a weight basis, of the aggregates have a volume in the range of from about 0.5 cc to about 150 cc, and wherein the aggregates have an apparent bulk density in the range of from about 140 kg/m³ to about 550 kg/m³.
 10. A method as in claim 1 wherein the plant growth toxin is selected from the group consisting of Oryzalin, Isoxaben, Trifluralin, Prodamine, Oxyflurofen+Pendimethalin, Oxadiazon, Pendimethalin, Benefrin+Oryzalin, Oxyfurofen+Oxidanzon and Metolachlor.
 11. A method for promoting revegetation of a denuded areas, said method comprising covering a surface of the denuded area with a wet layer of finely divided cellulose particles, vegetation seeds, and nutrient solution and permitting the layer of cellulose particles to dry out and form a protective covering for the denuded area while the seeds germinate and sprout.
 12. A method as in claim 11 wherein the cellulose particles are primarily ground up paper.
 13. A method as in claim 11 wherein the seeds are primarily grass seeds.
 14. A method as in claim 11 wherein the denuded area has a slope exceeding 10:1.
 15. A method as in claim 11 wherein the denuded area has a slope exceeding 4:1.
 16. A method as in claim 11 wherein the finely divided cellulose particles contain a source of assimilable nitrogen.
 17. A method as in claim 11 further comprising broadcasting dry aggregates containing cellulose over the surface of the denuded area to a depth of at least 1 cm., to form a bed of particles, and wetting the bed with a slurry of nutrient solution and seeds; and permitting the wetted bed to dry to form the protective covering.
 18. A method as in claim 11 further comprising spraying a thick slurry of aggregates containing cellulose, nutrient solution and seeds over the surface of the denuded area to a depth of at least 1 cm., to form a bed of particles, and permitting the bed to dry to form the protective coating. 